JW Takes Action to Save Terry Schiavo

On October 17, Judicial Watch took important legal measures in an attempt to save the life of Terry Schiavo, a woman who has been brain damaged since 1990. Florida Circuit Judge George Greer had just sentenced Ms. Schiavo to death by ordering doctors to remove her feeding tube, per the request of Ms. Schiavo's husband.

Judicial Watch intervened, filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Children and Family Services and pressuring Florida Governor Jeb Bush to get involved. In a letter faxed to the Governor's office, Judicial Watch argued that Governor Bush had an obligation to intervene based on the protections afforded Ms. Schiavo by the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution.

On Monday, October 20, Governor Bush rallied Florida state legislators to call a special session for the purpose of passing "Terri's law," a bill that would allow the governor to put an immediate moratorium on attempts to kill Terri Schiavo through dehydration and starvation. Later that evening, the Florida House of Representatives passed the bill 68-23, with the Senate following suit the next day. Governor Bush signed the bill and ordered Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube replaced immediately.

"Ms. Schiavo has been subjected to a cruel and inhumane form of torture that violates her fundamental rights and human dignity," said JW President Tom Fitton. "We are pleased that Governor Bush and other government officials took action to save Terri's life."

The circumstances surrounding Ms. Schiavo's disability are suspicious at best. According to lawyers for Robert Schindler, Ms. Schiavo's father, medical records indicate the 39-year old woman had broken bones in her neck, which is consistent with strangulation. Doctors claim, however, the condition resulted from a heart attack caused by as yet undetermined underlying medical condition.

"Now that Ms. Schiavo is being given food and water, Judicial Watch will call for a full and complete investigation of Ms. Schiavo's condition and the shameless violation of her rights by the Pinellas County Circuit Court," said Fitton.

Predictably, those who believe Ms. Schiavo should die, including her husband and the American Civil Liberties Union, will take to the courts to try to have Terri starved and dehydrated to death. Judicial Watch is prepared to take further action to help save Terri's life.